Published: Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 12:44 AM.

That left the Phoenix on the short end of a 57-55 decision against College of Charleston in a Southern Conference opener for both teams.

Elon’s Kelsey Evans launched a 3-point attempt that missed the mark as the game ended.

“We just have to find a way to put it together for 40 minutes,” Elon coach Charlotte Smith said. “When the shots aren’t falling our way, we need to control the things that we can and that’s defense and rebounding. We did not play our best basketball (in this game), but we still had an opportunity to win the game, so I’m looking forward to getting back to playing the way we are capable.”

College of Charleston fought back from a nine-point deficit midway through the second half after the Phoenix (2-3) built a 43-34 lead with a 17-6 run. Elon trailed by two at the half. The Cougars knotted the game at 44-44 with 8:31 remaining after scoring 10 of 11 points to halt Elon’s run.

The Phoenix trailed 55-49 with less than four minutes remaining, but tied the game at 55-55 with 1:21 left. College of Charleston converted two free throws in the final minute.

That left the Phoenix on the short end of a 57-55 decision against College of Charleston in a Southern Conference opener for both teams.

Elon’s Kelsey Evans launched a 3-point attempt that missed the mark as the game ended.

“We just have to find a way to put it together for 40 minutes,” Elon coach Charlotte Smith said. “When the shots aren’t falling our way, we need to control the things that we can and that’s defense and rebounding. We did not play our best basketball (in this game), but we still had an opportunity to win the game, so I’m looking forward to getting back to playing the way we are capable.”

College of Charleston fought back from a nine-point deficit midway through the second half after the Phoenix (2-3) built a 43-34 lead with a 17-6 run. Elon trailed by two at the half. The Cougars knotted the game at 44-44 with 8:31 remaining after scoring 10 of 11 points to halt Elon’s run.

The Phoenix trailed 55-49 with less than four minutes remaining, but tied the game at 55-55 with 1:21 left. College of Charleston converted two free throws in the final minute.

Elon only led once in the first half. Evans knocked down a jumper 19 seconds into the game, giving Elon the lead. The basket also allowed the senior forward to surpass 1,000 points in her career. She’s the 19th player in Elon women’s basketball history to reach the milestone.

The Phoenix outscored the Cougars 32-14 in the lane despite being outrebounded 53-39.